OCALA, FL — Ocala’s very own Fort King will see battle again on December 2 and 3, as the city hosts “A Fight for Freedom: Attack on Fort King.” The two-day re-enactment at the newly reconstructed fort will depict Chief Osceola’s attack on Fort King and the death of Indian Agent Wiley Thompson, which sparked the Second Seminole War.

The first fort was built in 1827 and named for Colonel William King who commanded Florida’s Fourth Infantry and served as the governor of West Florida in the early 1800s. Fort King played an important role in the first two Seminole Wars and was eventually burned to the ground by the Seminoles. A second Fort King served as Marion County’s first courthouse in 1844 before being abandoned and stripped for materials.

The first fort was built in 1827 and named for Colonel William King who commanded Florida’s Fourth Infantry and served as the governor of West Florida in the early 1800s. Fort King played an important role in the first two Seminole Wars, and served as Marion County’s first courthouse in 1844 before being abandoned and stripped for materials.

The event will also celebrate the grand opening of the reconstructed Fort and will include a Seminole villages, soldier’s encampment, and displays of period crafts, traditional skills, workshops, food, and tomahawk throwing.

The pine forest hill top at Fort King was the location for some of the most dramatic events of the Seminole Wars.

“A Fight for Freedom” will take place on December 2 and 3 at the Fort King National Historic Landmark at 3925 East Fort King Street, just east of 36th Ave. in Ocala. Parking is available at the Duke Energy power line field located a quarter-mile east of the Fort. A shuttle will be running continuously throughout the event for pick-ups and drop-offs. Parking at the Fort will be for handicapped or disabled guests only.

Admission is $5 per person, but free for veterans, active military and children ages five and under. For information, call (352) 368-5533 or visit https://fortkingocala.com/.